Going back to work after uterine cancer

Hi, I had uterine cancer surgery in April. I still feel like I cannot do a schedule until it is in the afternoon. I take many vitamins and my body is adjusting to menopause. I am better in the evening yet I have medical issues in the am. I want to regain my life back.

Also, I want to go back to my old career working disabilities where I may have to further my education; when I just graduated from medical billing and coding and cannot make a living on that with what they are offering. I want to follow my heart and my soul this time so my cancer does not return. I also need to support myself.

Do you have any suggestions in how to approach a potential employer about a limited schedule? Please let me know.

Thank you,

Laura

2 Comments

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Laura,

I sent your post off to our career coaches,
but in the meantime I wanted to share a quick resource that you might find
helpful. You might want to consider flexible work options, such as work
from home or telecommuting, and a great website to find those kinds of opportunities
is flexjobs.com. It is a paid jobs listing site, however you can browse job postings and receive
50% off with the code CANCER.

Career Coach Comment:

Laura-

Good for you for considering other options.

I am unclear, however, what you mean by “I want to go back to my old career working
disabilities”. What was your career in disability?

Medical billing and
coding can offer you a lot of flexibility:
Potential jobs working from home, variation from normal daytime hours or
even part time work. Have you worked in
the field after graduation? If you are interested in “disability related jobs”,
I would think that the knowledge of coding could be an asset. It can also get you in the door and allow you
to prove your worth and move up to another job that you might find more
desirable.

Sarah is right about checking for flexible schedules. It’s been my experience however, that it is
easier to get a flexible schedule once an employer knows you and is familiar
with your performance.

Since a morning shift doesn’t work for you, consider
checking healthcare organizations, insurance companies and hospitals that offer
afternoon or evening shifts. Focus on
part time and per diem work while you build your reputation; that may position
you for the job you really aspire to.

I would not approach an employer requesting a flexible or
limited schedule unless you have significant experience, a track record and
background that make you a highly desirable candidate. Instead, I suggest you
seek out and apply for positions that state that they offer flexible hours or different
shifts. I strongly suggest that you
focus on networking to help you to identify employers and jobs that might be a
good fit. A recommendation from a
current employee might also help get you an interview and land a job.